Russell and Connie Wasendorf recently pledged $2 million to Northern Iowa’s athletics department, the largest unrestricted gift to the Panthers in the department’s history. The gift founded the VIP Fund, part of Northern Iowa’s Imagine the Impact campaign, to help support programs, equipment and facilities.

“We are pleased to recognize Connie and Russ as founding investors of the Panther athletics VIP Fund,” said Athletics Director Troy Dannen. “Their leadership will help ensure the sustainability of a strong intercollegiate athletics program at Northern Iowa for years to come.”

The Wasendorfs also have invested in the McLeod Center and the UNI-Dome, which are facilities on campus. Wasendorf heads a brokerage firm and a research firm specializing in managed futures investments.

“I am simply paying back, with interest, the financial aid I received while attending UNI,” Russ Wasendorf said. “I feel without that financial aid, I would not have received a quality college education. Connie and I are proud to make this donation and enhance opportunities for UNI student-athletes.”